Behind every future Service Dog is a story that begins long before training starts—a story of care, dedication, and extraordinary love from a volunteer Breeder Caretaker. Every Breeder Caretaker with Dogs for Better Lives receives guidance and support throughout the entire process, ensuring each puppy gets the strongest possible start in life.
For Nancy, volunteering as a Breeder Caretaker has meant welcoming multiple litters of future Service Dogs into the world, first with Autumn and now with Laura and her six beautiful puppies.
Autumn with her first litter, the “L” litter
Having helped whelp four of Autumn’s litters and now caring for Laura’s newest puppies, Nancy says what keeps her inspired is witnessing the miracle of life unfold again and again.
“The whole process is exciting,” she shares. “Just watching the birth alone is a miracle. And then when their eyes start to open—their reaction to everything around them. Watching each one develop their own personality is so special.”
That wonder has never faded, even after multiple litters.
The first time Nancy helped bring a litter into the world was filled with nerves and uncertainty.
“I didn’t know what to expect. But that didn’t matter because mom and puppies knew just what to do. I just observed,” she recalls.
With each litter since, her confidence has grown. Her role has evolved into creating a calm, nurturing environment—making sure each mother is comfortable and surrounded by support, while showering both moms and puppies with steady love and care.
These days, with Laura’s puppies just two weeks old, Nancy’s routine is both busy and joyful.
“First of all, it is a joy to wake up every morning and look at those faces,” she says.
Her days are filled with attentive care: cleaning the whelping area, checking collars to make sure they’re not too tight, clipping tiny nails, weighing each puppy twice daily, and introducing new toys and textured objects to encourage healthy development. Just as importantly, she makes time to care for Laura herself, ensuring plenty of quality time with mom.
Nancy has come to know both breeder dogs well, and each has brought her own strengths to motherhood.
Laura with her 2nd litter
“Autumn has a very solid frame,” Nancy says. “She was a very hands-on mom—always aware of her pups and their needs.”
Laura’s journey into motherhood has been different. “She was a little more unsure at first, but gradually caught on.”
Watching each dog grow into her role as a mother has been another reminder of the resilience and instinct woven into these remarkable animals.
And for the person whose life may one day be changed by one of these puppies, Nancy has a heartfelt message:
“If you are so lucky to receive one of these Service Dogs, just remember there has been a lot of work put into these precious dogs—and an overwhelming amount of love.”
From day one.
Nancy’s care is part of the foundation these puppies will carry with them as they grow, train, and one day step into the life-changing role of Service Dog. Her dedication ensures that from their very first moments, they are surrounded by compassion, attentiveness, and love—the perfect beginning for dogs destined to make an extraordinary difference.
Autumn’s “P” litter
Autumn’s “C” litter
Autumn’s “M” litter
Are you interested in becoming a Breeder Caretaker or Puppy Raiser? Visit dogsforbetterlives.org/get-involved to learn more and apply.
